West Nile Virus continues to spread in mosquito samples across the state, including in Hampden County

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – West Nile Virus continues to spread in mosquito samples. Another mosquito has tested positive for the virus in Hampden County. 22News spoke with local doctors on why we are seeing more positive detection.

“The virus is here in Hampden County,” said Chief of Infectious Diseases at Baystate Medical Center, Dr. Armando Paez.

The city of Holyoke is the newest community to have a mosquito test positive for West Nile Virus this year. This adds to the total of 255 positive mosquito’s found in the state so far.

“This is you know Typically a large number of mosquito positives,” said State Epidemiologist at Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Dr. Catherine Brown.

According to the state Department of Public Health, West Nile Virus was found in a mosquito sample collected in Holyoke last month. The risk level for Hampden County has been elevated to moderate. Pittsfield and West Springfield also had positive mosquito samples last week with East Longmeadow reporting the state’s first human case.

“The mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are going to continue to persist and won’t entirely die off until we have a hard frost in a area,” said Dr. Brown.

The virus can infect people of all ages but people over 50 are at a higher risk of infection. Symptoms include flu-like illness, however, most people have no symptoms.

“Mosquitoes they become very active between the dusk and the dawn of the time of day so schedule other events to avoid those hours,” said Paez.

“You want to make sure your using a mosquito repellent with an EPA registered active ingredient and you should do that anytime your outdoors,” added Brown.

Dr. Brown also recommends eliminating mosquito breeding at your home by draining any standing water outside. It’s also not too late to check your window screens and make sure there are no holes in them.

Local News Headlines

Portion of Birnie Ave in West Springfield closed due to car crash

Judge declines to dismiss murder case against Karen Read after July mistrial

West Springfield man must register as sex offender after sexual assault of minor

Former New England Patriots quarterback adopts two dogs after huge surrender from Massachusetts property

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.